1994-2002 [Subscribe to Daily Digest] |
Hi Folks,
Thought I would post this story- in case others run into the same situation- apparently reading the board it appears to be a common problem.
I have a 1997 900 SET- 2.0 Turbo Convertible.
At about 45,000 miles- the car started to slowly lose coolant. I would get a SIDs "low coolant" alert every week or so. Finally it got progressively worse.
I took it to a Saab Indy- Swedish Auto Factory in San Jose. They saw coolant leaks around the thermostat. It was replaced for $170- parts were approx. $47.
Unfortunately, the new thermostat did not fix the leak. I took it to the B&B Saab dealer- suspecting it was the head gasket and wanting to get goodwill from Saab USA to repair. Sure enough, it was diagnosed as having a leaky head gasket. There was coolant seeping from just above the exhaust manifold on the driver's side. Interestingly, there was no coolant leaking into the engine- (oil showed no signs of coolant).
Reading through the board, I discovered that in approx. 1996-1998- Saab had problems with applying the proper torque to the heads- which could result in the head gasket leaking later in life. I called Saab USA while my car sat in the shop. I spoke with one of their Customer Asst. Reps. At the time my car had under 50K mils (around 45K)- but was about 1 year beyond the 4 year warranty. After several back and forths and faxing proof of all major oil changes and services (good thing I sprang for the 35K service at the Saab dealer)- they agreed to pay $500 toward replacing the head gasket. Unfortunately, B&B Saab in San Jose- is one of the more expensive Saab dealerships I have used. They charged me for 10.2 hours of labor and $234 in parts. While they were in there they discovered worn heater hoses and replaced those for an additional $50 in labor and $60 in parts. All told the bill was $941 not including the $500 that Saab USA kicked in.
Lessoned learned- inspect any Saab 2.0 Turbo for signs of coolant leaks around the outside of the head.
Kurt
posted by 64.173.24...
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